Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
WERA and CCS racer Chris Eklund and wife Suzie had a son, Ryan Shaw Eklund, November 25 in Richmond, Virginia.
CCS racer Matt Bullock and wife Fernellie had a son, Braden Matthew Bullock, November 30 in Burnesville, Minnesota, while visiting relatives for the holidays, and will soon return to their home in Thousand Oaks, California.
Inside Info Letters To The Editor Patent Tech: Ducati’s MotoGP Active Suspension MotoGP Japan: Biaggi Wins Pacific GP MotoGP Notes Japan MotoGP Malaysia: Rossi Wins In Style MotoGP Notes Malaysia MotoGP Australia: Rossi Wins In Spite Of Penalty Suzuki GSX-R World Cup: Mixed Fortunes For Americans WSB Magny-Cours: Hodgson, Xaus Split Wins F-USA Daytona: Greenwood, Wait Win CCS ROC Daytona: Winners Take All Accidental Champion: Buell Project Racer Book Review: Mann Of His Time Interview: Sports Medicine Rehab Specialist Tuan Nguyen Interview: Aprilia’s Jan Witteveen And The $500,000 250s CMRA At Motorsport Ranch New Products Product Evaluation: Black+Gray HiPer Hanger Product Evaluation: Baxley Sport Chock High-Performance Parts & Services Want Ads CCS Newsletter Road Racing & School Calendar Guide To Road Racing Organizations Toyota 200: Hayes Wins $50,000 At Willow Cribs: Aaron Yates CR405F Project Bike: What’s Up With SuperMoto? How To Go Racing, Part 1 John Hopkins: The GP Kid The Crash Page MotoGP Notes Australia Advertisers Index And Phone Directory Website Listings On The Front Cover: Valentino Rossi and the Honda RC211V. In MotoGP, they’re unstoppable! Photo by Sportsphotography.
From a press release issued by CCS Florida:
Motorcycle Season Finale at Homestead
The Championship Cup Series of Florida will return to the Homestead-Miami Speedway on December 6-7 for their season ending race. 24 class championships will be decided at this event. Only 12 classes have been decided. The overall expert champion and number 1 plate is also undecided but Jim Pihokken of Cooper City is leading Alex Ferreira of Orlando by 218 points. A huge field of more than 700 entries from across the US is expected.
Saturday Schedule:
Gates Open 8:00am.
Practice & Time Trials 9:00am-5:00pm.
Sunday Schedule:
Gates Open 7:00am.
Practice 8:00-9:00am.
Morning GT Sprint Races (5) 9:30-11:30am.
Afternoon Sprint Races (15) 12:00-5:00pm.
Track Location: Florida Turnpike (Homestead Extension) to SW 137th Ave. (Speedway Blvd.) turn left to track. Follow the signs to the rear tunnel infield entrance, Homestead, Florida.
General Admission and Paddock Pass: Sat.$10, Sun.$15, 2 Day Pass $20
Children under 12 Free, Free Parking
Further information call:
(561) 793-3394 (Before Race)
(305) 230-5177 (On Race Days)
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Former racer Rich Conicelli, now working as a test rider for Dunlop Tire Co., found out the hard way that Pikes Peak International Raceway did not provide rider medical insurance for Thursday promoter practice held immediately prior to the track’s 2003 AMA National weekend.
Conicelli crashed during Thursday practice at Pikes Peak and suffered a broken collarbone, two broken ribs and a punctured lung. He spent 10 days in the local hospital.
In a recent phone call to Roadracingworld.com, Conicelli said he had to pay $3000 in medical bills that his primary medical insurance did not cover.
Normally, secondary medical insurance at promoter practice days will pay some of the costs not covered by primary insurance.
“I just want everybody to be aware,” said Conicelli.
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
A dispatch from a CCS Southwest club racer and Staff Sargeant we know who is with the Air Force in Iraq, and who will remain anonymous:
Hey, how’s it going, fellas? I am in Northern Iraq. This place is harsh. The dust is so fine and it gets everywhere. Then when it rains it turns to this mud that sticks to everything and never comes off. Stupid mud.
There is a lot of interesting stuff here. I have seen all sorts of Warsaw-pact equipment.
I have been working so much. There is not much time for sleep. I can’t tell you much because of security reasons.
I just know when I get back I am going to take the Gixxer out for a little ride and throw the girlfriend on back. You try not to think about that stuff because the road ahead is long and it will only drive you insane.
I know one thing, though, I am missing a lot of next year’s season and that sucks. I just want to let all the fellas know in the CCS Southwest series that I wish them luck and throw a race down for me.
My job is to make sure when somebody gets
ambushed when he is doing his thing we ensure close air support to make sure he can make it home. I guess if you look at it I spend more time protecting our own because we will not stand to let anymore of these random attacks on convoys and helicopters go untouched. As for now they just keep us away from the Iraqis because it is too much of a risk for one of us to die.
Well, gotta go. Good luck to all the Southwest guys and I will see them soon.
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Congressman William J. Janklow’s trial on felony manslaughter charges started today in Flandreau, South Dakota.
The charges stem from an August 16 incident in which Janklow, 64, ran a stop sign and collided with motorcyclist Randy Scott, 55, a volunteer firefighter and farmer from Minnesota who was fatally injured.
Janklow served four years as Attorney General and four terms as governor of South Dakota before running for Congress.
Janklow faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter and could also face disciplinary action from the House of Representatives’ Ethics committee if convicted of a crime which carries two or more years in jail. Janklow is also facing charges of reckless driving, speeding and running a stop sign.
According to news reports, 21 potential jurors were excused by mid-morning Monday due to existing relationships with Janklow and/or his lawyer, Ed Evans. Several potential jurors were also excused after stating that they had already formed an opinion on Janklow’s guilt or innocence.
From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:
ERIC BOSTROM TRIES DUCATI 999 OUT FOR SIZE
Bologna (Italy), December 1, 2003: Today saw the first visit to the Bologna factory for Eric Bostrom, the rider Ducati Corse have chosen to head the Italian manufacturer’s attack on the AMA Superbike championship.
The 27 year-old from San Francisco, California tried out the 2004 version of the Ducati 999 factory bike he will be using in next year’s 18-race US domestic championship in the race department, just before it gets freighted off to America.
He also took a tour round the Ducati Corse racing department, meeting up with the two Ducati Corse team personnel who will be following him next year, race engineer Luca Ferraccioli and mechanic Claudio Peiretti.
Eric then concluded the visit with a brief meeting with Ducati Corse managing director and SBK director Paolo Ciabatti.
“It’s awesome to be with Ducati. I’m besides myself for words. It’s such a tight family and so performance-oriented that I just want to be a big key in getting the success back in the States. I don’t want to jump the gun, I just want to get on the bike and ride it and have a good time” declared Eric.
Eric Bostrom will be taking part in two days of Michelin testing at Daytona International Speedway this coming Thursday and Friday in preparation for the opening AMA round at the Florida circuit on March 3-6 of next year.
From a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports:
Las Vegas to Sponsor Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports
World Finals for Supercross and Monster Jam get Las Vegas Backing
AURORA, Ill. (December 1, 2003) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division announced today a new three-year sponsorship agreement of its US Hot Rod Monster Jam and THQ World Supercross GP/ THQ AMA Supercross Series properties with Las Vegas Events.
Las Vegas Events (LVE) is the official event destination organization in Las Vegas. They work closely with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to bring events to Las Vegas. The LVCVA brings visitors to Las Vegas and Clark County by promoting tourism, conventions, meetings and special events.
“We are excited about the opportunity to co-brand the Las Vegas destination with Clear Channel, while ensuring we keep these two championship events in Las Vegas,” said Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas Events.
In addition to sponsoring THQ World Supercross Series/ THQ AMA Supercross Series and US Hot Rod Monster Jam, LVE also sponsors the Wrangler National Final Rodeo, the Budweiser World Cup Horse Jumping Finals, the Las Vegas NASCAR Craftsman Truck series stop, America’s Party Las Vegas New Year’s Eve Fireworks show and many other special events
“We are extremely thrilled to have the support of LVE for our motorsports properties in 2004, 2005, and 2006”, said Mark Abernethy, senior director of marketing. “LVE and the LVCVA have a very rich history in helping sponsor and promote some of the top live events in the world. We know THQ World Supercross GP/ THQ AMA Supercross Series and US Hot Rod Monster Jam fit into that group.”
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Phase One Endurance team, the 2003 FIM Endurance World Champions, is looking for riders for its Junior Team, which contests the FIM Endurance World Championship alongside the Senior team.
Phase One is looking for skilled riders 23 years old or younger with an International racing license and “appropriate backing” to join its Junior Team.
The Junior Team competes on Suzuki GSX-R1000s prepared, serviced and maintained by the same Phase One crew that maintains the Senior team’s machines. In addition, Junior Team riders will take part in three pre-season tests (at Almeria, Albacete and Oschersleben), instruction at the Stephane Mertens Racing School and/or the Jason Pridmore STAR Motorcycle School and will receive additional training in media relations, mental and physical preparation and coaching from the Senior team riders.
Applications to the Phase One Endurance Junior Team should be submitted by December 15 to Team Manager Russell Benney at [email protected], telephone/FAX 011-44-01278-652439.
The Phase One Endurance Junior Team finished 13th in the 2003 FIM Endurance World Championship.
From a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:
SUZUKI TEST NEW BRIDGESTONE TYRES
Team Suzuki Press Office – November 30, 2003
Team Suzuki rider John Hopkins and factory tester Kosuko Akioshi completed three days of tyre tests at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia today, making their first acquaintance with the Bridgestone tyres that the MotoGP team will use for next year’s World Championship campaign. Riders and team came away with very promising results.
Full-time GP rider John Hopkins not only praised the tyres for their performance and consistency. The 20-year-old Anglo-American also improved on the best race lap time set by a Suzuki GSV-R MotoGP machine, at this year’s Malaysian GP.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” said Hopkins, who faced both wet and dry conditions at the Sepang circuit. “So I was pretty pleased to find out the tyres work really good.
“It gives us all a positive feeling to go into the winter break, after doubts about what to expect,” he added.
Team Suzuki announced only a few days before that they had decided to switch from a long-standing and very successful relationship with Michelin to join forces with the Japanese tyre company Bridgestone for 2004. One advantage is geographic and cultural – both companies are based in Japan, and their development engineers will be able to work closely. Another strength is the rapid development of the Bridgestone tyres during 2003, competing for pole positions and rostrum finishes in only their second year in the premier class.
“I was impressed from the first laps,” said Hopkins. “Tyres are so important, so I have to admit I was a little concerned about what I might find. Right away the grip was good, and when we started racking up more laps the tyres were consistent.
“I was able to get to lap times definitely competitive with what we had earlier in the year. It’s going to be real interesting to work with these guys,” he added.
Team manager Garry Taylor reflected the positive reaction of the Grand Prix squad, after their first experience working with Bridgestone.
“We had three days, but John was only able to do 25 laps on the first day because of the rain. He was really impatient to get back on the bike for the second day, which is a very good sign; and he ran nearly 60 laps, almost three times race distance,” said Taylor.
“The good performance of the tyres wasn’t such a surprise. Everyone has noticed Bridgestone’s rapid rise in results and performance over the past two seasons.
“We were all very impressed with the attitude of the Bridgestone technicians. They are obviously very serious about taking a step up next year. Suzuki feel the same way, and together with Bridgestone we’re looking for success,” concluded Taylor.
The tests were run using the 2003 GSV-R MotoGP racer in the specification in which it finished the season, allowing a direct comparison of performance. At the same time, Suzuki factory race department engineers were hard at work on next year’s development of the 990cc V4 four-stroke racer.
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
WERA and CCS racer Chris Eklund and wife Suzie had a son, Ryan Shaw Eklund, November 25 in Richmond, Virginia.
CCS racer Matt Bullock and wife Fernellie had a son, Braden Matthew Bullock, November 30 in Burnesville, Minnesota, while visiting relatives for the holidays, and will soon return to their home in Thousand Oaks, California.
Inside Info Letters To The Editor Patent Tech: Ducati’s MotoGP Active Suspension MotoGP Japan: Biaggi Wins Pacific GP MotoGP Notes Japan MotoGP Malaysia: Rossi Wins In Style MotoGP Notes Malaysia MotoGP Australia: Rossi Wins In Spite Of Penalty Suzuki GSX-R World Cup: Mixed Fortunes For Americans WSB Magny-Cours: Hodgson, Xaus Split Wins F-USA Daytona: Greenwood, Wait Win CCS ROC Daytona: Winners Take All Accidental Champion: Buell Project Racer Book Review: Mann Of His Time Interview: Sports Medicine Rehab Specialist Tuan Nguyen Interview: Aprilia’s Jan Witteveen And The $500,000 250s CMRA At Motorsport Ranch New Products Product Evaluation: Black+Gray HiPer Hanger Product Evaluation: Baxley Sport Chock High-Performance Parts & Services Want Ads CCS Newsletter Road Racing & School Calendar Guide To Road Racing Organizations Toyota 200: Hayes Wins $50,000 At Willow Cribs: Aaron Yates CR405F Project Bike: What’s Up With SuperMoto? How To Go Racing, Part 1 John Hopkins: The GP Kid The Crash Page MotoGP Notes Australia Advertisers Index And Phone Directory Website Listings On The Front Cover: Valentino Rossi and the Honda RC211V. In MotoGP, they’re unstoppable! Photo by Sportsphotography.
From a press release issued by CCS Florida:
Motorcycle Season Finale at Homestead
The Championship Cup Series of Florida will return to the Homestead-Miami Speedway on December 6-7 for their season ending race. 24 class championships will be decided at this event. Only 12 classes have been decided. The overall expert champion and number 1 plate is also undecided but Jim Pihokken of Cooper City is leading Alex Ferreira of Orlando by 218 points. A huge field of more than 700 entries from across the US is expected.
Saturday Schedule:
Gates Open 8:00am.
Practice & Time Trials 9:00am-5:00pm.
Sunday Schedule:
Gates Open 7:00am.
Practice 8:00-9:00am.
Morning GT Sprint Races (5) 9:30-11:30am.
Afternoon Sprint Races (15) 12:00-5:00pm.
Track Location: Florida Turnpike (Homestead Extension) to SW 137th Ave. (Speedway Blvd.) turn left to track. Follow the signs to the rear tunnel infield entrance, Homestead, Florida.
General Admission and Paddock Pass: Sat.$10, Sun.$15, 2 Day Pass $20
Children under 12 Free, Free Parking
Further information call:
(561) 793-3394 (Before Race)
(305) 230-5177 (On Race Days)
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Former racer Rich Conicelli, now working as a test rider for Dunlop Tire Co., found out the hard way that Pikes Peak International Raceway did not provide rider medical insurance for Thursday promoter practice held immediately prior to the track’s 2003 AMA National weekend.
Conicelli crashed during Thursday practice at Pikes Peak and suffered a broken collarbone, two broken ribs and a punctured lung. He spent 10 days in the local hospital.
In a recent phone call to Roadracingworld.com, Conicelli said he had to pay $3000 in medical bills that his primary medical insurance did not cover.
Normally, secondary medical insurance at promoter practice days will pay some of the costs not covered by primary insurance.
“I just want everybody to be aware,” said Conicelli.
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
A dispatch from a CCS Southwest club racer and Staff Sargeant we know who is with the Air Force in Iraq, and who will remain anonymous:
Hey, how’s it going, fellas? I am in Northern Iraq. This place is harsh. The dust is so fine and it gets everywhere. Then when it rains it turns to this mud that sticks to everything and never comes off. Stupid mud.
There is a lot of interesting stuff here. I have seen all sorts of Warsaw-pact equipment.
I have been working so much. There is not much time for sleep. I can’t tell you much because of security reasons.
I just know when I get back I am going to take the Gixxer out for a little ride and throw the girlfriend on back. You try not to think about that stuff because the road ahead is long and it will only drive you insane.
I know one thing, though, I am missing a lot of next year’s season and that sucks. I just want to let all the fellas know in the CCS Southwest series that I wish them luck and throw a race down for me.
My job is to make sure when somebody gets
ambushed when he is doing his thing we ensure close air support to make sure he can make it home. I guess if you look at it I spend more time protecting our own because we will not stand to let anymore of these random attacks on convoys and helicopters go untouched. As for now they just keep us away from the Iraqis because it is too much of a risk for one of us to die.
Well, gotta go. Good luck to all the Southwest guys and I will see them soon.
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Congressman William J. Janklow’s trial on felony manslaughter charges started today in Flandreau, South Dakota.
The charges stem from an August 16 incident in which Janklow, 64, ran a stop sign and collided with motorcyclist Randy Scott, 55, a volunteer firefighter and farmer from Minnesota who was fatally injured.
Janklow served four years as Attorney General and four terms as governor of South Dakota before running for Congress.
Janklow faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter and could also face disciplinary action from the House of Representatives’ Ethics committee if convicted of a crime which carries two or more years in jail. Janklow is also facing charges of reckless driving, speeding and running a stop sign.
According to news reports, 21 potential jurors were excused by mid-morning Monday due to existing relationships with Janklow and/or his lawyer, Ed Evans. Several potential jurors were also excused after stating that they had already formed an opinion on Janklow’s guilt or innocence.
From a press release issued by Ducati Corse:
ERIC BOSTROM TRIES DUCATI 999 OUT FOR SIZE
Bologna (Italy), December 1, 2003: Today saw the first visit to the Bologna factory for Eric Bostrom, the rider Ducati Corse have chosen to head the Italian manufacturer’s attack on the AMA Superbike championship.
The 27 year-old from San Francisco, California tried out the 2004 version of the Ducati 999 factory bike he will be using in next year’s 18-race US domestic championship in the race department, just before it gets freighted off to America.
He also took a tour round the Ducati Corse racing department, meeting up with the two Ducati Corse team personnel who will be following him next year, race engineer Luca Ferraccioli and mechanic Claudio Peiretti.
Eric then concluded the visit with a brief meeting with Ducati Corse managing director and SBK director Paolo Ciabatti.
“It’s awesome to be with Ducati. I’m besides myself for words. It’s such a tight family and so performance-oriented that I just want to be a big key in getting the success back in the States. I don’t want to jump the gun, I just want to get on the bike and ride it and have a good time” declared Eric.
Eric Bostrom will be taking part in two days of Michelin testing at Daytona International Speedway this coming Thursday and Friday in preparation for the opening AMA round at the Florida circuit on March 3-6 of next year.
From a press release issued by Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports:
Las Vegas to Sponsor Clear Channel Entertainment – Motor Sports
World Finals for Supercross and Monster Jam get Las Vegas Backing
AURORA, Ill. (December 1, 2003) – Clear Channel Entertainment’s Motor Sports division announced today a new three-year sponsorship agreement of its US Hot Rod Monster Jam and THQ World Supercross GP/ THQ AMA Supercross Series properties with Las Vegas Events.
Las Vegas Events (LVE) is the official event destination organization in Las Vegas. They work closely with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to bring events to Las Vegas. The LVCVA brings visitors to Las Vegas and Clark County by promoting tourism, conventions, meetings and special events.
“We are excited about the opportunity to co-brand the Las Vegas destination with Clear Channel, while ensuring we keep these two championship events in Las Vegas,” said Pat Christenson, president of Las Vegas Events.
In addition to sponsoring THQ World Supercross Series/ THQ AMA Supercross Series and US Hot Rod Monster Jam, LVE also sponsors the Wrangler National Final Rodeo, the Budweiser World Cup Horse Jumping Finals, the Las Vegas NASCAR Craftsman Truck series stop, America’s Party Las Vegas New Year’s Eve Fireworks show and many other special events
“We are extremely thrilled to have the support of LVE for our motorsports properties in 2004, 2005, and 2006”, said Mark Abernethy, senior director of marketing. “LVE and the LVCVA have a very rich history in helping sponsor and promote some of the top live events in the world. We know THQ World Supercross GP/ THQ AMA Supercross Series and US Hot Rod Monster Jam fit into that group.”
Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Phase One Endurance team, the 2003 FIM Endurance World Champions, is looking for riders for its Junior Team, which contests the FIM Endurance World Championship alongside the Senior team.
Phase One is looking for skilled riders 23 years old or younger with an International racing license and “appropriate backing” to join its Junior Team.
The Junior Team competes on Suzuki GSX-R1000s prepared, serviced and maintained by the same Phase One crew that maintains the Senior team’s machines. In addition, Junior Team riders will take part in three pre-season tests (at Almeria, Albacete and Oschersleben), instruction at the Stephane Mertens Racing School and/or the Jason Pridmore STAR Motorcycle School and will receive additional training in media relations, mental and physical preparation and coaching from the Senior team riders.
Applications to the Phase One Endurance Junior Team should be submitted by December 15 to Team Manager Russell Benney at [email protected], telephone/FAX 011-44-01278-652439.
The Phase One Endurance Junior Team finished 13th in the 2003 FIM Endurance World Championship.
From a press release issued by Team Suzuki News Service:
SUZUKI TEST NEW BRIDGESTONE TYRES
Team Suzuki Press Office – November 30, 2003
Team Suzuki rider John Hopkins and factory tester Kosuko Akioshi completed three days of tyre tests at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia today, making their first acquaintance with the Bridgestone tyres that the MotoGP team will use for next year’s World Championship campaign. Riders and team came away with very promising results.
Full-time GP rider John Hopkins not only praised the tyres for their performance and consistency. The 20-year-old Anglo-American also improved on the best race lap time set by a Suzuki GSV-R MotoGP machine, at this year’s Malaysian GP.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” said Hopkins, who faced both wet and dry conditions at the Sepang circuit. “So I was pretty pleased to find out the tyres work really good.
“It gives us all a positive feeling to go into the winter break, after doubts about what to expect,” he added.
Team Suzuki announced only a few days before that they had decided to switch from a long-standing and very successful relationship with Michelin to join forces with the Japanese tyre company Bridgestone for 2004. One advantage is geographic and cultural – both companies are based in Japan, and their development engineers will be able to work closely. Another strength is the rapid development of the Bridgestone tyres during 2003, competing for pole positions and rostrum finishes in only their second year in the premier class.
“I was impressed from the first laps,” said Hopkins. “Tyres are so important, so I have to admit I was a little concerned about what I might find. Right away the grip was good, and when we started racking up more laps the tyres were consistent.
“I was able to get to lap times definitely competitive with what we had earlier in the year. It’s going to be real interesting to work with these guys,” he added.
Team manager Garry Taylor reflected the positive reaction of the Grand Prix squad, after their first experience working with Bridgestone.
“We had three days, but John was only able to do 25 laps on the first day because of the rain. He was really impatient to get back on the bike for the second day, which is a very good sign; and he ran nearly 60 laps, almost three times race distance,” said Taylor.
“The good performance of the tyres wasn’t such a surprise. Everyone has noticed Bridgestone’s rapid rise in results and performance over the past two seasons.
“We were all very impressed with the attitude of the Bridgestone technicians. They are obviously very serious about taking a step up next year. Suzuki feel the same way, and together with Bridgestone we’re looking for success,” concluded Taylor.
The tests were run using the 2003 GSV-R MotoGP racer in the specification in which it finished the season, allowing a direct comparison of performance. At the same time, Suzuki factory race department engineers were hard at work on next year’s development of the 990cc V4 four-stroke racer.
